Ahoy! Spanish galleon to sail into UK port

People will be able to climb aboard the replica ship and learn about the original's history

A replica of a 16th Century Spanish galleon will arrive in Yorkshire later this month.

The enormous ship is a newly built copy of an ancient ship called the Nao Victoria, which was the first to travel around the globe more than 500 years ago.

From the 26 June to 6 July the full-size replica ship will be docked at the North Wharf Quay in Scarborough and open for the public to take a look around.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for visitors and residents to witness maritime history up close, jumping aboard a replica of the iconic ship that was the first to ever circumnavigate the world," said Mark Crane from North Yorkshire Council.

Nao Victoria - The ship that broke records

The Nao Victoria - whose name translates as "Victory" - changed the course of history with an epic journey.

Captained by Juan Sebastián Elcanowas, it was part of a group of five ships that set sail from Seville in Spain in 1519.

But was the only one to return three years later in 1522 after successfully sailing across three oceans and along the edge of four continents.

Only 18 members of of a crew of 265 made it back too; many died from a poor diet and scurvy, and others had left or were taken prisoners by other ships.

The ship eventually sank many years later, on a voyage in 1570.

The replica ship went on a similar journey to the original between 2004 and 2006.

The replica of the Nao Victoria was built in 1991, and completed a similar journey to the original one between 2004 and 2006.

Lupo Bathke of the Nao Victoria said his crew were "looking forward to meeting residents," and the said they would "share the incredible story of the Nao Victoria with them".

Last year another ship named the Galeón Andalucía, a replica of a 17th Century ship, also visited the town.